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Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Markoullis has said that the long-standing
relations between Cyprus and France will continue at the same pace with
the newly elected administration of Francois Hollande.

"There is a change in the political situation in France. We want our
long-term and close relations with the friendly state of France, a very
close and strategic partner, to continue at the same pace," the Minister
told the press, when asked to comment on the outcome of Sunday's poll
in France.

The Minister added that she has no doubt that this will be the case.
The relations created through a large number of agreements and
collaboration with France will continue with the new administration of
Mr. Hollande as well, she concluded.

Tax and trust challenges in the new world order will be the focus of an
international annual Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP),
Conference due to take place in Limassol between May 10 and 11. The
conference has been described as an important opportunity to present
Cyprus' advantages as a financial services destination.

President of the Republic Demetris Christofias is due to officially open
the event, whilst Minister of Finance Vassos Shiarly will address the
conference as keynote speaker. More than 240 delegates are expected
to take part in the annual conference, organised by the STEP branch
in Cyprus.

International trust legislation and regulations recently in place in
Cyprus will be presented for the benefit of an international audience
for the first time. According to information published in its official
website, STEP is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners
in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues. It has nearly 17,000
members in 80 countries.